Which folder next?

Joined
Jul 7, 2013
Messages
2,807
Hello there, GKD. There are a few knives I want, and I'm still trying to choose which one to get next. So, just for fun, I decided to make this thread. Here are the ones I'm considering:

Spyderco Paramilitary 2 - I still don't have one. Never heard a bad word about this knife. I'll probably be getting the blacked out version.

Spyderco Titanium Military - I'd like a Military, but I'd much prefer a frame lock over a liner lock, and besides, I don't own any Ti frame locks.

Benchmade 810 Contego - Another knife that everyone seems to love. Never cut anything with M4 yet.

Benchmade 275 Adamas - Same as above. I don't mind a big, heavy folder, since when I'm carrying one I dedicate my pocket to it. Will probably get it all in black, like the PM2.

If there's a different folder in this price range or cheaper that you're absolutely crazy about and would like to recommend, I'm all ears.
 
What knives have you kept or gone through? Those choices sound like you will get bored of them if you really just getting them for fun.
 
What knives have you kept or gone through? Those choices sound like you will get bored of them if you really just getting them for fun.

Well, I've learned that I like good ergonomics without sharp corners, a palm filling grip, and solid lockup with a utilitarian design overall. I don't get bored of my knives, though;I just add new ones to my rotation.
 
The Para2 is a classic. But def overrated IMO. I much prefer the Yojimbo2.

I also really like the Manix2. I've been thinking about getting the all black version soon.
 
The Para2 is a classic. But def overrated IMO. I much prefer the Yojimbo2.

Personally, I agree that the PM2 is overrated. I'd go with Spyderco Gayle Bradley in CPM-M4. About the same size as a PM2 but much more robust in every way. Perhaps Spyderco's best folder (flippers excluded).

Contego in CPM-M4 is another great choice. Hope they resolve the back spacer / glass breaker snapping issue. No worries though they'll just ship you out a new back spacer for the asking.
 
That Gayle Bradley looks nice. But I'd be concerned that the M4 blade would discolor and patina right off the bat. And I don't like that.

How do you keep M4 looking shiny and new?
 
Personally, I agree that the PM2 is overrated. I'd go with Spyderco Gayle Bradley in CPM-M4. About the same size as a PM2 but much more robust in every way. Perhaps Spyderco's best folder (flippers excluded).

Contego in CPM-M4 is another great choice. Hope they resolve the back spacer / glass breaker snapping issue. No worries though they'll just ship you out a new back spacer for the asking.

I normally hate liner locks, but if they're properly done I might give one a go. How's the lock geometry on the GB?
 
Wow I'm actually in the exact same situation as you. The PM2 gets so much just fanatic praise from so many people, while other people say it is way overrated and just as good as any other quality knife. Frankly, I'm hesitant to buy any Spyderco knife because that signature thumb hole of theirs is just so darn ugly to me :/
 
I own(ed) all the knifes you listed. The ti military is my personal the fav.

The 275 is very thick and not a slicer but awesome.
The 810 contego is great camw with a wicked edge and in my my favorite steel. But there has been some talk (not mine) of axis lock breaking.
Para 2.... I sold mine
The ti military is a thing of beauty and function IMHO. ALL are a great choice
Good luck.
 
I don't mind properly done serrations, but is there any reason why you recommend full serrations on the Salt?

Spyderco's salt series use H1 steel.It's a 'work hardening steel'.The serrated versions are somewhat 'better' since they've been grinded after hardening making them harder & more proficient.The more you use them & sharpen them the harder they get.
 
I would go with the 810 Contego or the Adamas just to try something different, but the you can not go wrong with the paramilitary 2 also.
 
The para2 is probably the best value in an edc folder on the market. For m4, the Bradley is a great choice. Fit and finish compares with the most expensive production folders. Also excellent value.
 
I normally hate liner locks, but if they're properly done I might give one a go. How's the lock geometry on the GB?

Lock up is very solid. GB is overbuilt but not too heavy. Suggest you handle one up close. By the way, it looks real nice as well which is a bonus.
 
That Gayle Bradley looks nice. But I'd be concerned that the M4 blade would discolor and patina right off the bat. And I don't like that.

How do you keep M4 looking shiny and new?

Wash, rinse, dry and light oil. Even just rinsing in tap water helps get the salt out.
 
There was a thread about pm2 and Ti milli definitely compare carry weight before deciding if one or two extra ounces matter to you. If not then play through! I don't edc bigger knives myself. Carrying a schrade 1040 right now. I even resold a NM pinnacle not soon after I got it. That said the Ti milli is definitely interesting. I've also seen an AG Russell acies get let go for 225 on eBay once. I was going to buy it on impulse and stopped when I knew that I would never carry it and just wanted to get it in order to hold it.
 
Back
Top